N1.2bn Fraud: EFCC re-arraigns former HOS Oronsaye

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday re-arraigned former Head of Service, Steve Oronsaye at Federal High Court, Abuja, on a 35-amended- count charge bordering on allegation of N1.2 billion fraud.

Others re-arraigned alongside the former HOS were Osarenkhoe Afe and Frederick Hamilton as well as Global Services Limited.

In the amended charge, the EFCC increased the number of defendants from three to six, with additional three companies, allegedly used to siphon the funds.

Oronsaye and the five other defendants were accused of fraud, corrupt act, thereby violating the Money Laundering and Prohibition Act of 2004.

Mr Olaleke Atolagbe, the prosecuting counsel, said that one of the accomplices in the alleged crime, Abdulrasheed Maina, now at large, connived with the defendants to commit the crime.

According to the charge, the alleged crime hinged on the biometric enrolment job purportedly awarded to Innovative Solutions Limited, without observing due process.

Mr Joe Agi (SAN), counsel to Oronsaye alongside the other defence counsel, made an oral application praying the court to allow the defendants continue to enjoy the bail earlier granted them.

The judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawale fixed June 9 for definite commencement of trial.